12 LC 93
0373
House
Resolution 1272
By:
Representatives Dickerson of the
95th,
Stephenson of the
92nd,
Dawkins-Haigler of the
93rd,
Smith of the
122nd,
Kendrick of the
94th,
and others
A
RESOLUTION
Recognizing
Bald Rock Baptist Church; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
Bald Rock Baptist Church was founded approximately in 1861 and is Rockdale
County's first African American congregation; and
WHEREAS,
back then, worship services were held in a brush harbor under the leadership of
Reverend Charles Toggle; and
WHEREAS,
the temporary structure served its purposes and was located on property not
owned by Bald Rock Church members since it was an era in which slaves could not
own land; and
WHEREAS,
it is believed that the plantation in which Bald Rock Church was located served
as a place of worship for slaves who shared the same last name as their masters;
and
WHEREAS,
Bald Rock church was one of the area's first to hold church school dating back
to as early as 1883; and
WHEREAS,
the original structure is now a historic site located on Costley Mill Road at
the Georgia International Horse Park; and
WHEREAS,
since 1994 the church has been at its current location and was mainly built by
the members of Bald Rock led by Reverend Jack Maultsby, Pastor; Deacon Robert
Rome, Chairman; Frank Swift, Vice Chairman; Albert Banks, Willie Banks, Rufus
Bigby, John Cox, V. Giles, Rufus Henderson, John Penn, Freddie Ross, John
Robinson, Rufus Roseberry, A.R. Shaw, E.J. Shaw, and S. Strong; and many women
who also contributed their time and efforts in building the church;
and
WHEREAS,
Mother Clara Sims is the oldest member of Bald Rock Baptist Church and is 99
years old; and
WHEREAS,
it is abundantly fitting and proper that this enduring example of God's message
of peace and love be recognized and congratulated for its innumerable good works
rendered on behalf of persons in need.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body commend Bald Rock Baptist Church for more than 150 years of steadfast,
unselfish, and loving service to the people of this state and wish the
congregation continued growth and prosperity.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Bald Rock
Baptist Church.